Breaking News, other than MJ's death...

Unrest in Iran

Before MJ’s death, we all heard about the election in Iran and the following protests… However, it was as if this struggle didn’t exist anymore after we loss the King of Pop.

Nine British embassy employees (all Iranian) were arrested on the accusation that they were involved in local protests. Of the nine — eight have been released. Tension is still high as Iran is claiming that the protests and unrest is being stoked by the UK and US.

Coup in Honduras

On June 28th Troops seized and expelled Honduran President Manuel Zelaya. The next day, Obama condemns this. The OAS (Organization of American States) suspends Honduras because of the overthrow.
On July 5th, Zelaya attempts to return to Hondura only to have his jet circle the airport. Authorities blocked the runway and troops attacked supporters at the airport — leaving at least two dead.
To curb future protests, the interim government has imposed sunset-to-sunrise curfews.
What’s the cause of all this drama? President Zelaya wanted to hold a popular vote on convening a constitutional convention. This move could have removed the current one-term limit for presidents.

South Carolina town fears serial killer

After 5 fatal shootings, the people of Gaffney, South Carolina are taking precautions. Having already had a run in with a serial killer in the late 1960s — the Gaffney Strangler — the community canceled their Independence Day events. Police released this sketch of a man who’s said to be tall with salt and pepper hair. Though they have not confirmed the murders as the work of a serial killer, the police are “knee-deep in the investigation”.

Protests in China

Violence erupted on Sunday, July 5th in the city of Urumqi in the Northwestern province of Xinjiang (Shown on the map below). At least 156 people are dead and over 800 have been injured according to state media.

The protests apparently was prompted by a deadly fight between two groups — the Uighurs and the Han Chinese. Uighurs are ethnically Turkic Muslims, while the Han are a majority in the country making up 92% of the population. Ethnic clashes are not uncommon in China, and this particular one has been increasing since 1991.

Strict curfews have now been placed on the city of Urumqi and over 1,400 people have been arrested because of Sunday’s violence.

Palin Resigns

Yep. The Alaskan Governor is resigning, effective July 26th and will not run for re-election. This is 18 months earlier than her scheduled end of term.

However, she’s not saying whether or not she’s going to attempt for the presidency in 2012.

Ron recovering from Swine Flu...

Yep. Rupert Grint is recovering from what his publicist said is a “mild bout” of swine flu.

Also to be noted: the WHO has stated that the rising numbers of the cases means that the virus cannot be contained — it’s no longer an option.
The H1N1 virus is not getting stronger.. just more people are getting it.